Will the 21 Day Fix really fix!?

Well I did it - I succumbed to a program and committed myself to portion control.  I mean, it's summer after all and August and September are going to rock with my hot body soooo there's motivation!  While in Phoenix I learned that a new friend, Nikki Boyle (or Nikki Coco as described by the crew) is involved with Beachbody and runs Nikki Boyle Fitness (https://www.facebook.com/bbcoachnikkiboyle).  Knowing for the last month or two that I've been needing to kick the nutrition in high gear, I reached out to her.  She found a program that would work best for me and I signed up and committed.  One of the cooler parts is the closed Facebook group of people doing exactly what you're doing...and a place you can look to for help / motivation / assistance...etc.  It's always more helpful when I have a place to post - oh wait....maybe that's why I like this blog? :)

21 Day Fix - What's the big idea?

With 21 Day Fix there is no counting, guessing, wondering about what to eat rather a (pretty) easy to follow system with color coded Tupperware (although I like to think of it as measuring cups) where depending on your size and body you get a certain amount of colored Tupperware throughout the day to fulfill your full day of eats.  The hardest thing to understand for me was that one meal could be made up of multiple Tupperware.  For instance, one salad could contain (one red - protein, one green - veggies and a blue - avocado...etc.)  Getting all of this in order took a bit of practice, but I think I have it down to a science on my chalk board wall in my kitchen.  Eventually this chalk board wall is going to be filled with days and tally marks!!

Another aspect of the Beachbody program is their infamous "Shakeology" shake.  Now I've never been one for shakes (unless it's a small protein shake to help fulfill the tummy from grumbling around 3:00 PM).  Also - if I have a shake it most definitely has 4g or less carbs; however, I have been satisfied with the Strawberry Shakeology so far.  It's a bit higher in nutritional content then I would like (tallying in at 17g carbs per scoop). This is a bit high for me as I aim to have around 30 a day but the vitamins and good carbs so I'll roll with it.  To be honest, the shake - in the morning - keeps me feeling full all day.  If I have to sacrifice 13g carbs for that, I'm game.  It's really satisfying and I think I came up with the best recipe (although, I've only tried 2... haha)

1 Scoop Strawberry Shakeology
2 stalks KALE
ice
coconut (unsweetened flakes)
almond milk

*This shake recipe I tally off one green container, one red container, and one blue container...not sure where to put the coconut in yet but I usually don't have 2 purple containers (fruit) like, ever...so I'm going to consider the small tablespoon of unsweetened coconut in with my purple category.

I easily feel more content after a protein shake than a couple eggs in the morning and can get through the day without that pit in my stomach hungry feeling.  I'm interested to see what 30 days of shakes will make me feel.

After 3 solid days of proportioned eating, I already SEE and feel a difference.  18 days to go and you'll get to see the results too!

In addition to the shakes and meal planning - there is the work out portion.  The first two days got compromised because my disk was messed up but then I realized it was just disk two and I did a couple make up days.  The work outs are 30 minutes which is do-able for anyone (with or without time) and require either small weights or resistance bands.  I am trying to keep up with the work outs but quite honestly, I work out like three times a day....what's the harm in adding another? :)

So yea, meal planning and portion control, a shake that makes you feel full for like 1/2 the day and 30 minute work outs....it's all bound to provide some results!

They say 3 weeks is the length of time that can make anything a habit.  21 days....3 weeks....no. big. deal....right? 

Hey! Take a HIKE!

If you know me you know that I'm usually walking, moving or hiking....

I've determined that most places you travel to (with exception of North Dakota or another super flat state) have great hiking locations.  As a universal work out - you're able to hike while in another state/area and still get the same long fat burning work you would at home in Laguna (my normal Saturday routine).  Well, taking in the sites on AZ's Camelback Mountain last weekend was awesome!  Don't get me wrong, it was hotter than hell - howevvvver, it wasn't too bad the the sites above the mountain were worth the 99 degree dry heat.  The desert landscape blew my socks off, the actual uphill rock climbing hike was refreshing and being that close to HUGE cactus and succulents was really cool. 

Hiking for your health - the benefits to a fresh air up hill stroll:

- Lowers your risk of heart disease
- Improves your blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Boosts bone density since walking is weight bearing
- Builds strengths in your glutes, quads, hamstrings and your hop/lower leg muscles
- Strengthens your core
- Improves balance
- Helps control weight
- Boosts your MOOD! (relieves stress and anxiety)
- Reduced depression and better quality sleep

All in all, hiking exercises almost every part of your body: legs, knees, ankles, arms, hips and butt, abdominals, shoulders and neck. It's a great long fat burning exercise that keeps your heart rate consistently in the fat burning zone.  It's a great way to get out of the city and explore.

AZ HIKING IMAGES:

SO CAL HIKING IMAGES:

 

Now - GO OUTSIDE AND TAKE A HIKE!